Joseph W. GARD was an early pioneer of what would become Lincoln Township, coming to Ringgold County in 1856.

Joseph was born October 27, 1826 in Adams County, Ohio. He was a farmer and served as Justice of the Peace. The GARDS were parents of six boys. Mrs. GARD was a full partner in their pioneering and after his untimely death on November 27, 1861, she raised the boys by herself. It was an uphill job with all the privations of those pioneer days.

Joseph married Catharine OSHEL on August 20, 1848, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Catharine (OSHEL) GARD was born March 9, 1826, Xenia, Greene County, Ohio, the daughter of John HOSHALL (1787-1855) and Margaret Chambers (STERRETT) HOSHALL (1799-1866). Catharine died at the aged of 93 years on July 31, 1919, Diagonal, IA. Joseph and Catherine were interred at Bethel Cemetery.

Children of Joseph W. and Catharine (OSHEL) GARD:
1) Erastmus Manfred GARD, b. Aug 1849, IA; d. 26 Jan 1927
2) Henry Jordon GARD, b. 11 May 1851; d. 03 Sep 1927; married Melvina MAY (1861-1909)
    Child: Infant Son, born and died 20 Nov 1880
    interment Bethel Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA
3) John Manford GARD, b. Apr 1853, IA; d. 1906; married Anna Bell DALTON (1858-1912)
4) Isaac Westfall GARD, b. 24 Apr 1855; d. 03 Apr 1933, Mount Ayr IA
    married Alice FRESHWATER (1889-1908)
    interment Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr IA
5) Earnest Chapin GARD, b. Mar 1857, Ringgold Co. IA; d. 03 Apr 1933, Mount Ayr IA;
    married Mary E. (?) (1858-?)
6) Hanson G. GARD, b. 1859, Ringgold Co. IA

SOURCE:
LESAN, Mrs. B. M. Early History of Ringgold County: 1844 - 1937 Pp. 20, 96. Blair Pub. House. Lamoni IA. 1937.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2010